Book reviews and more!

THE CHEMISTRY OF TEARS, by Peter Carey

August 2, 2012

METICULOUSLY CRAFTED NOVEL explores the appeal of technology, difficulty of love in modern and Victorian times.

Grade: B PLUS

THE CHEMISTRY OF TEARS
Knopf
2012

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FULL BODY BURDEN, by Kristen Iversen

August 1, 2012

THOUGHT-PROVOKING MEMOIR combined with in-depth reportage on troubled Colorado nuclear facility Rocky Flats.

Grade: B PLUS

FULL BODY BURDEN: GROWING UP IN THE NUCLEAR SHADOW OF ROCKY FLATS
Crown
2012

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MRS. ROBINSON’S DISGRACE, by Kate Summerscale

July 31, 2012

ENGAGING, IMPECCABLY RESEARCHED account of a high-profile divorce trial that scandalized Victorian England.

Grade: SOLID B

MRS. ROBINSON'S DISGRACE: THE PRIVATE DIARY OF A VICTORIAN LADY
Bloomsbury USA
2012

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THE SPOILER, by Annalena McAfee

July 30, 2012

DELIGHTFULLY CATTY TALE of two English journalists caught up in a clash of generations, feminisms, and ethics.

Grade: B PLUS

THE SPOILER
Knopf
2012

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THE WOMAN WHO WASN’T THERE, by Robin Gaby Fisher and Angelo J. Guglielmo, Jr.

July 29, 2012

MIND-BOGGLING TRUE STORY of a hoaxster who pretended to be a survivor of the 2001 World Trade Center attack.

Grade: SOLID B

THE WOMAN WHO WASN'T THERE: THE TRUE STORY OF AN INCREDIBLE DECEPTION
Touchstone
2012

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DON’T CRY, TAI LAKE, by Qiu Xiaolong

July 28, 2012

SHANGHAI POLICE INSPECTOR Chen’s vacation is marred by murder and environmental skulduggery. Appealing mystery!

Grade: B PLUS

DON'T CRY, TAI LAKE: AN INSPECTOR CHEN NOVEL
St. Martin's/Minotaur
2012

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GATHERING OF WATERS, by Bernice L. McFadden

July 27, 2012

ELEGAIC, MOVING RE-IMAGINING of the lives of Emmett Till, the girl who loved him, and her family. A triumph.

Grade: A MINUS

GATHERING OF WATERS
Akashic Books
2012

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THE BAREFOOT BANDIT, by Bob Friel

July 26, 2012

INTRIGUING TRUE STORY of the daring teen thief, “Barefoot Bandit” Colton Harris-Moore. Lots of vivid detail!

Grade: SOLID B

THE BAREFOOT BANDIT: THE TRUE TALE OF COLTON HARRIS-MOORE, NEW AMERICAN OUTLAW
Hyperion
2012

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THE LAND OF DECORATION, by Grace McCleen

July 25, 2012

HEARTBREAKINGLY BEAUTIFUL, DELICATE English novel about a young girl isolated by a tiny religious community.

Grade: B PLUS

THE LAND OF DECORATION
Henry Holt & Company
2012

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WINTER KING, by Thomas Penn

July 24, 2012

FASCINATING BIOGRAPHY OF HENRY VII examines the roots of the Tudor dynasty.  Well researched and engrossing!

Grade: B PLUS

WINTER KING: HENRY VII AND THE DAWN OF TUDOR ENGLAND
Simon & Schuster
2012

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